The Wine Regions Of Australia

Submitted by: Nick Green

The first vineyards in Australia were planted in the late 1700 s, and during the 1800 s the wine regions of Australia began to be established. However, it is only recently that the country has become recognized as a leader in the production of world-class wines. Currently the fourth largest exporter of wine in the world, Australia has defined and secured its niche in the global wine production market. The success enjoyed by the Australian wine producers can be contributed to a system which was put in place by law in 1993 known as the Australian Wine and Brandy Corporation Act. This act helped establish the wine regions of Australia and gave the regions the legitimacy they deserved.

There are approximately 62 designated wine regions and over 1000 wineries throughout Australia. These regions cover approximately 420,000 acres. Under the Australian Wine and Brandy Corporation Act, geographic indicators were created to regulate Australia s wine production processes. There are approximately 103 geographic indicators, and these indicators are applicable to wine producing zones, regions and sub-regions. Not only are these geographic indicators important to wine production, but they also play an important role in the global and local marketing of Australian produced wines. Since land, soil and climate along with other factors play an integral role in determining the flavor and aroma of wine, this system that regulates wine production helps ensure the regional distinctiveness of the wines produced remains unadulterated and pure.

Australia is divided into wine zones, regions and sub-regions. A zone is simply an area of land, such as New South Wales. A region is defined as being distinct from surrounding regions, and a sub-region is defined as being distinct from the region in which it is located. The requirements that have to be met in order to be labeled as a wine region or sub-region includes having a specified number of independently owned vineyards on a specified number of acres with a specified amount of grapes produced annually. These requirements are part of the Australian Wine and Brandy Corporation Act.

The wine zones of Australia include: New South Wales, South Australia, Queensland, Tasmania, Victoria, and Western Australia. There are several regions within each of these zones and include such regions as: Hunter Valley (New South Wales); Barossa Valley, Coonawarra, and Eden Valley (South Australia); Granite Belt (Queensland); Pipers River (Tasmania); Yarra Valley, Alpine Valleys, Grampians (Victoria); Swan Valley, Margaret River (Western Australia). An example of a sub-region within a region includes Upper Hunter and Lower Hunter within the Hunter Valley. Much of the wine produced comes from the South Australia regions. In general, more wine is produced in warmer climates, but premium wines are produced in cooler climates.

Many varieties of wines are produced in Australia, and the type of wine produced is specific to a region. For example, the Barossa Valley is well-known for its Shiraz, Merlot, Riesling and Semillon varieties. Hunter Valley is renowned for its Semillon, Shiraz, Chardonnay and Verdelho, while Yarra Valley produces Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Cabernet.

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